Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just had a hatchling break thru the shell, the head was sticking out. It was breathing and just resting but it was upside down. I didnt want to disturb it so I just left it like it was. Checked on it this morning and it was dead. Still in the same position. Did I somehow rotate the egg taking it from the laying chamber into the incubator and that is what caused the demise of the hatchling? I have never actually seen one just hatch, they have always been running around the tub the were incubating in. Should I have rotated the egg so it was upside right when I seen it? Should I have just left it like it was? I have hatched out, so far, 7 babies. Still have 6 eggs cooking. I have hatched out over 60 in my previous breeding projects before and all were fine. This is the first time something like this has happened. I feel like I should have turned it upside right and that would have made a difference. any comments? Advice?

I'm sorry to hear about that.I'm not sure if you rotated the egg or if it just got turned around while trying to get out of the egg. things just happen I had one that broke the shell then went back in and died not idea why it just happens so don't blame yourself. To ensure that you don't turn them over while candling or moving what I do is when I uncover the eggs after they are layed before I even move them I put a black line on the top with a sharpie. This does not affect it at all and that way you can be sure not to turn it over. Good luck with the rest.